The Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal: What You Need to Know

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Note: If you want to go straight to the practical trekking info jump to 8:33. Also see my other two videos packed with relevant information for trekking in Nepal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGivdmOtZsqIn5o

[@DOX_Prod]

Awesome video ! I have been trekking the annapurna too with my Nepalese friend it was a great experience ! Thanks for sharing !

[@artfx9]

This is amazing. The views.. wow! If I was there I would just stand in one place with my mouth open and not get anywhere. haha. Sitting in the back of a jeep on some propane tanks going past cliff drops to later have a yak burger.. what an adventure! Keep these videos coming, love them!

[@nino714]

My thoughts exactly! What an adventure.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

+artfx9 Thanks. And just wait, things are about to get waaaaaaaaay more epic.

[@Punisher4mHell]

Very good and inspiring video brother. Keep traveling and stay safe all the time. I'm planning travel there as well.

[@randombiketrips3296]

Gabe, this has been an awesome, awesome series. Have really enjoyed it. Thanks so much!

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Thanks, and it's about to get so much better. The trek to Tilicho ZLake and Thorung La pass were mind-blowing, stay tuned for those ones, posting them soon.

[@cohall46]

Very enjoyable and I appreciate all of the info regarding park fees, etc.

[@justinwakeling8669]

Thanks for the info dude. Loving the videos! It must be challenging to find the balance about how to pack your pack. I see some of these treks you are doing are days and days on end over lots of kilometres/miles hiking these amazing steep routes and staying in lodges. You wouldn't want a heavy backpack but then again you need enough clothes and gear to last you all those days. Your backpack looks massive. Best tip to keep the weight down without sacrificing the essentials? I assume clothes must be the big one? Just go skimp on the clothes and instead do a lot of washing? That's my guess but I'm definitely no expert in organising a pack, especially for such unique treks such as these ones where you're away for days on end without much civilisation.

[@Punisher4mHell]

Hey Gabrie at 20:49, where did you get the map? Well I'm asking as I'm planning the same trip and I guess having a map would be handy. thx

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I got the trekking map at a book store in Pokhara. You can easily find them in lots of book stores or trekking shops in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

[@MixedBoi06]

Another awesome Vid man! Thanks for sharing

[@manirajrai360]

I can't believe Gabirel you make very beautiful video. Thank you very much to you.you . you explore around the world . I am from east of Nepal now living in the UK. Whatever my heart always in my country particularly I like so much that Himalaya ance again thank you very much Gabireal see you next video Bye now.

[@zombiefish1957]

Awesome.. keep it coming!!

[@andrewgordon3089]

Really appreciating your videos :)

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Sweet, thanks Andrew. Happy trekking.

[@5335816]

One question, if you've caught transport for the majority of the trek so far, won't there be a problem with altitude gain? I understand the recommendation is to ascend no more than 500m per day over 3000m. I trekked Besisahar to Manang over 3 days, then had an acclimatisation day before the Thorong La Pass. Be careful! Loving the trekking series, looking forward to more! :)

[@ropersix]

+blackbooks I was thinking the same thing, but then remembered he just did the ABC trek, so he's already partly acclimatized.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

+blackbooks It depends a lot on the person. I've never had any real issues with altitude. As Timothy said I did the ABC trek right before this up to 4,130 meters and didn't have any issues, so I was somewhat acclimatized already. Then we stopped in Chame which wasn't too high, hiked partway up to Manang and then hiked the rest of the way from there. I'm now on the other side of Thorung La pass (in Jomsom currently) and it was intense but no problems with the elevation. Stay tuned, those videos are going to be seriously awesome! I have four new videos edited and three more I need to edit, just trying to get them uploaded! Slow internet but I might get a new one posted today, we'll see.

[@5335816]

+Gabriel Traveler Yes, good point, I guess the ABC trek acclimatised you pretty well. Glad you're safely over the Thorong La, bet it was amazing! More videos sound great, looking forward to them!

[@chococak9046]

BEAUTIFUL! SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for that video. About how many miles is it in that circuit that you showed on the map? And about how far between villages on the trail? Thanks so much for YouTubing your adventures!

[@midnajo437]

Thanks a lot to share very informative information. Enjoy your trips.

[@markc7099]

Brilliant, thats the trek I wanna do 👍

[@PankajMalik2016]

Thank you for this. Very helpful 🙏

[@bartonsky]

Curious what type of food? I try to eat lower carb. Do they offer eggs, meat, yogurt, cheese etc? Thank you. Great informative and helpful videos! After getting in Kathmandu do you recommend going to Pokhara soon after to begin the hikes or do you stay in Kathmandu for a while forst to acclimate or just explore? Thank you again. Amazing work!

[@baldwintheleper]

Mr. Morris, you've filmed these mountains quite beautifully. I plan to go there myself by the time I graduate. Could you tell me which time of the year would be best to cross the Thorong La Pass, since I keep hearing reports of it being blocked by snow every once in a while?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Thanks. April-May and late September-early November are the best times to hike the Annapurna Circuit, to the best of my knowledge.

[@scottanderson9656]

Love the videos! Would like to know what electronic gear you bring, laptop cams etc., also how you store them and what if any security precautions you take with them when out and about etc. I've never traveled with a laptop but will need to in the very near future.

[@tommyc199]

Any suggestions?! I'm planning on doing the Annapurna Circuit in April - first time long distance hike. For the best part it will be hot however at higher altitudes, and with the Himalayas being susceptible to snow / rain - I need an all round, waterproof shoe/boot. Also / I'm planning on heading out 14th coming back 30th - enough time?

[@nemome5837]

Boots: Have a look at Lowa. World famous and very good quality and recommended for Nepal.

[@tommyc199]

cheers man will do!

[@navoditc]

I am telling you man, the camera doesn't do the justice for these amazing beautiful Himalayas. I lived in Pokhara for six years (for studies) and hiked some hills like Ghandruk, Landruk and Poon Hill. Hills because we don't call them mountain until we get to the snow zones. Here in Georgia, I hiked quite a few mountains. They call them mountains here but I just laugh inside because these Georgia mountains (the Appalachian trails and others) are smaller then our hills. Any way, enjoy your trekking my friend. My country is beautiful and thank you for showing it to the world.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Cool, thanks, and yes it's tough to capture the real experience of being there with a camera. There will be some GoPro footage in upcoming videos which helps capture it a bit better.

[@adventurousmayan6859]

I wish you went back to Guatemala and visit more areas in that country.

[@gato7908]

How much walking did you do in time and hours before you were able to flag down that Jeep, and how many more hours of walking did that Jeep ride save you? Would you have been able to make it to the village before nightfall?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I don't remember exactly how much further we had to go, maybe five miles or something? That's just a guess thinking back on it. But yes we certainly would have made it the rest of the way that day, if we hadn't gotten the ride.

[@Tainywhite]

Gab You are awesome, kinda wannabe of ya ;) Thumbs Up Dude....

[@aventura5395]

How cold does it get during the night? What is the temperature rating on the sleeping bag that you carry? Thx!

[@RawMadeSimple]

Gorgeous footage.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Thanks.

[@puspathakuri772]

Nepal is more beautiful country. It is popular tourist are in Nepal. It is famous ancient along with unique arts and architecture in Nepal durbar square, rafting in the rivers surrounded by hill and tall mountains where we can see enjoyable beautiful scenarios,around the snow- covered mountains .you can visit in Nepal.

[@Rocketeer19]

Namaste Gabriel... Planning to trek Annapurna Circuit next year and your videos are not only a huge help but a big boost to the over all excitement! Really happy to find them and glad you make em. If you would be so kind, in regards to the TIMS & ACAP i've been reading mixed advice when it comes to the documents you need to present particularly regarding travel insurance. You only mentioned the passport pictures and copies.. so would listing down my travel insurance company and file number be enough or do i need to also have proof of the claim? hope you can help out! Happy trekking.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Hi, they don't make a big deal out of the insurance number, it isn't even required. It's just an option if you have travel insurance to include it, presumably so that if something happens they would have that information available. So just have your number handy and that will do the trick. Happy trekking!

[@Rocketeer19]

Cheers!! so stoked...

[@babinkarki3877]

I really liked your video.Can you provide me the abc circuit itinerary including hours?

[@MRCnyc1]

great video...it's epic you can do these as you go along. I like that you compared the circuit trek and abc trek. Wondering if you grab a ride how short can you possibly cut (in days) the circuit....to 10 from 14??

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

The road goes all the way from Besisahar to Manang, and then from Muktinath (on the other side of Thorung La pass) all the way back to Pokhara. So ultimately you could just hike from Manang to Muktinath which would only take three days, and then take the bus back. So it's up to you how much you want to walk.

[@pepperseed11]

Which month is best for trekking the Annapurna Circuit and what sleeping bag would you recommend, please? I would like to go this fall but not sure about which month to book the flights for. Thank you.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

October and November are the best months in the fall, or else April and May in the spring. Any sleeping bag will do that's lightweight and warm. You don't need the absolute best sleeping bag because the lodges will also provide thick blankets, but it's good to have a sleeping bag for extra warmth and also something that's cleaner than those blankets. Check out this other video for more about the gear to bring: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKWWhqdte6iLl9U

[@pepperseed11]

Thank you for all the information. Amongst all videos I have watched yours have provided me with the most needed info and more. Thank you for sharing your experiences! It is helping me a great deal with my trip planning . :-)

[@micheleberto1846]

did you take more jeep rides until the end of the circuit? can you basically stop and ask for rides while hiking? how long did all the circuit took to you? thanks

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I didn't take any more jeep rides until the very end. You can't catch a ride for a good chunk of the trek because there's no road, just a trail for a lot of it. I trekked for about two weeks. John and I hiked together as for as Muktinath and then he got a ride back and I kept hiking alone. Here are my other videos of the trek: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqmknZVqqN6BfKM

[@matthewlawson9106]

Would you recommend the Annapurna base camp trek over the Everest base camp trek?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I haven't done the Everest base camp trek yet, but I want to. Everest sounds more impressive, but it also depends on other factors such as how much time you have and whether you might have altitude problems, because the Everest b.c. is a higher trek and takes longer. Also it requires either a flight or else a long bus ride and then an extended trek. So the Annapurna b.c. is simpler and requires less time. But keep in mind that the Annapurna base camp trek is different from the Annapurna Circuit trek. This video is about the Annapurna Circuit which is in the same range of mountains as the base camp, but it's a different trek in a different area. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@andrapadureanu8633]

Hey, Gabriel! Great videos, we watched your entire Annapurna Circuit series - planning a trip to Nepal this October so you made us really excited :) one uick question: when did you do the trek? Sorry if you mentioned in the video and I missed it. Thanks a lot

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Cool, glad you enjoyed! I did the trek in May, just a couple months ago. My videos are always very current, usually posted within a few days after filming.

[@javissko]

Planning to do this circuit this April/May. How long should I plan to stay in Nepal? Is 3 weeks enough time?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

If possible I would plan for a month. You can get a 30-day visa on the border, I think it costs $40. This trek takes 2-3 weeks but you also have to factor in some time in Kathmandu, getting to Pokhara, getting ready for the trek, etc. You could possibly squeeze it in in three weeks but that;s cutting things close, better to have a little extra time. Also you will want to see some other things, there's lots to see around Kathmandu for example.

[@javissko]

Thanks a lot!

[@tuntazri2901]

How much should I bring for a seven days free and easy trip to Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu? Pls advise... Thanks.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

That's really hard to say because it depends on a lot of different factors such as how nice of a hotel you get, where you eat, etc. But see this video to get an idea of prices in Kathmandu: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH6UZaqbmdypg7M

[@PankajMalik2016]

2 permits for $40, is it same for an Indian citizen? as we can enter Nepal without Passport and Visa? Does everyone have to pay it evan a Nepali? And does they expect indian currency?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Good question. I wasn't sure about that so I searched and yes it's cheaper for all SAARC members, including Nepalis. Here's a page with specific info: www.nepalhiddentreks.com/information/trekking-fee-permits.html

[@harishrajpurohit6994]

800 Rs for Indians

[@jeffwolf3021]

Am I allowed to do this alone? In April, trail shoes or hiking boots?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes, you can do it solo without a guide or porter and April is the best month. Hiking boots are better but trail shoes could work too, that's what I had. See my other videos on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGivdmOtZsqIn5o

[@rs889]

Which months are considered low season Gabriel what time of year was this please?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

This was in May. Low season is summer (mid-June to mid-September), when it's the monsoon so it's not a good time to trek, and winter when of course it's a lot colder and not good for trekking. Ideal trekking months are April-May and October-November. You can trek at other times of the year but might not be as good of conditions.

[@rs889]

Gabriel Traveler Thanking you the conditions in May look ideal 👌🏼

[@sourabhyadav5277]

hi gabriel, its nice to see the amount of information you gave in this video , actually i am solo traveller but astudent so budget is very low but i am thinking of doing annapurna circuit trek in as much low budget as possible , can you tell me in brief what was your budget and where i can cut the costs , i have read your book to how to plan a budget travel but as i know every trek has its own limitations and advantages in term of budget and all , can you tell me wht will be the entire cost if i wil go like this from jeep rides to hitchiking to hiking in as much low budget

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Hi, I'm not sure about the entire cost, but here's a video where I show the prices while trekking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIOXY5KQnp5qrtE

[@josphinesaid2942]

Take me with you next trek, will make amazing documentary :)

[@ashrafulamin2142]

Hello Gabriel, Just want to ask you about the jeep ride from Besisahar to Chame. How much does the jeep ride cost you? I will do AC this June but i have limited time. Thanks

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Good question. I'm pretty sure it was 2,000 rupees, or $20 USD. However I paid an extra $5 for the front seat so that I could film. It was worth it, way comfier too.

[@ashrafulamin2142]

Thank you Gabriel. :)

[@darmaindren6298]

Hi gabriel just wanted to check with you, which month was this filmed in? wonderful video btw ;)

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

This was filmed in May.

[@darmaindren6298]

Great! cuz I plan on trekking from may 18th to june 20th. I m still deciding on whether to do ABC trekk or the Annapurna circuit first. I m also aware that this period is approaching the monsoon season. Would you have any suggestions for my situation? Greatly appreciate your aid..

[@deepak696]

Do you use the same pass for both Circuit and Base camp treks?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

You can if you don't leave the Annapurna conservation area, but because we went back to Pokhara first we had to buy another permit, actually two permits for $20 each.

[@jamestim2428]

I will be a solo traveller, but do not want to do the trek in a tour group. Is it possible to take this route solo? I have run marathons recently, so my fitness is well. How long does it take, and what does it cost, if all is independent? Accom, food, transport to and from, buses, jeeps, special equipment etc.?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes, you can definitely do it solo, not a problem. I just made a video showing the expenses of things while trekking, but it will be a week or so before I post that one. Basically you can expect to spend about $15-30 per day depending on the lodge. And transport is pretty cheap, though it depends of course on how far you're going. If you're in good shape then that's the most important thing. Here are a couple of videos with more info about trekking in Nepal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGivdmOtZsqIn5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKWWhqdte6iLl9U

[@Pchbt]

Hi Gabriel, very nice video! I plan to hike the Annapurna Circuit next October and I had just a basic question: does it worth it to keep walking after Jomsom or better to end up the circuit there? Thanks a lot :)

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

It's great hiking past Jomsom, totally worth it to keep on going. I have some videos from that part of the hike, for example here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3u0l3xmfpuen7c

[@Pchbt]

Hi Gabriel, thanks for the quick reply. I saw your video and it seems that you are most of the time hiking on the main road from Jomsom indeed! but still it looks so nice, you were lucky cause no traffic! Thanks !!

[@snowy3391]

Hey Gab how much did the jeep cost?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I don't remember exactly but maybe 1,000 Nepali rupees or about $10. Something like that.

[@gpkpjpmp]

Hi, there is Annapurna Circuit, but where is the point you can see Annapurna?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

You can see Annapurna from the base camp: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHrPeIqmfJdkg5o

[@captainheinie6355]

Are there wild animals would you know?

[@erictheguitar]

which is harder , inca trails or this?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I'm not sure since I didn't hike the Inca trail. But the Annapurna Circuit is pretty freaking intense, especially the hike up to Thorung La pass at 17,769 feet (video coming on that). I doubt the Inca trail is harder, based on what I've heard.

[@carmenlewis1925]

Do I have to carry my backpack?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

No, you can hire a guide and a porter if you want. You can find out about that in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or else get a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide book which should give some recommendations for trekking companies that can help you on the trek.

[@adamcornejo7677]

i have a question... is it hard to edit videos

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

It can be, depending on the video. Mostly it's pretty fun but takes some serious focus and can take a lot of time, several hours or more (some people spend a lot longer editing). This one was pretty straightforward because there was no music or effects, but took a while because it was so long.

[@gomezcg]

9:13 lol it's a very high lake...ha.

[@owenrumsey3662]

just wondering why don't you walk with your buddy ? he always seems to be ahead or behind but never with you

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

It was a bit back and forth the whole time. Sometimes we did hike together.

[@owenrumsey3662]

thanks and great video

[@MDRahman-st3cb]

awesome...

[@johnroberts148]

How much was the yak burger meal?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Forgot to mention, sorry about that! It was 650 rupees which is $6.50 for the plate with the burger, fries and salad.

[@REDPotriats757]

is there any dangerous wildlife you should be cautious of while hiking in the Himalayas?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I did actually talk with some local Nepalis on the Annapurna Base Camp trek who said they had seen a bear just a few minutes earlier. But I think that's a very rare occurrence. There are snow leopards but they're even more rare. You see yaks and cows but they're completely harmless. Basically wildlife is a non issue, you're lucky if you see any.

[@RiftenWhiterun]

Please be careful, Yeti take several hikers each season.

[@MindswordBatstn]

Which month is it?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

This was filmed in May.

[@MindswordBatstn]

Thanks for reply! I'm planning to go same route on May 15th. So I still have chance to have such good weather?

[@hirepaija2424]

hey Gabriel did you like my nepal?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Amazing!

[@prabhdip7470]

🤘🏻 solo trek

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Actually I did this trek with my friend John, who was at the beginning of the video. But solo trekking is awesome too.

[@sebastion009]

I live how this guy thinks he knows absolutely everything

[@kugelblitzkrsnavi8655]

Hi Gabriel. You can use the Resham Firiri Nepali track remake that I created. Just go to my channel and see if you like it.

[@chajaso]

This makes me want to go hiking...

[@MrSurendra]

Nice to hear from you, and, this is the perfect time for trekking in Nepal. You may contact me, I have some good trekking plans around Nepal.

[@surajsoraisam8348]

I was actually there in april me and my team went their and it was pretty amazing check out my channel for our trek

[@nepalesenomad1195]

you guys suppose to be walking if you call this a trek !

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Mostly we walked, twice I got a ride.

[@nepalesenomad1195]

Taking jeep strait to Chame, which is at least 5 days trek from Besishar if done properly and hopping in whenever possible is not "mostly walked". Lucky, u were not some1 from Holland or other sea level countries otherwise you could have got AMS just around Pisang. I am pretty sure your sick friend must have felt it way before Manang even if he acted ok then.

[@roadboogie]

nearly zero information. boring vid only „hey we are so cool“ additute... dont waste your time...

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Did you watch as far as 8:33 in the video? Because that's when I jumped into the practical info for trekking. Also I made two other videos with tons more trekking info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGivdmOtZsqIn5o

[@madcat1007]

From what I have seen so far, you have basically driven to Manang. You should retitle this section of the trek "The Annapurna Circuit Ultimate Road Trip". I am not sure if I am going to watch the rest. Maybe you catch a helicopter in Manang and fly back to Pokhara. And go, like most Americans, "wow what a trip man!!" Sad. You missed the point, bro!!

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

We trekked for two weeks from Manang to Tilicho Lake and then over the Thorung La pass and continued trekking from there. You can see all the videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGiTg4KdpraMnqc